Anuradhapura: The Ancient Capital

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September 18th 2013

Published: September 20th 2013

Anuradhapura: The Ancient Capital of Sri Lanka We had a trained archaeologist as a guide taking us around some of the ruins of Sri Lanka's Anaradhapura, part of Sri Lanka's famed "Cultural Triangle", but between the speed of his accented English, the length of the names he was saying, and our lack of any framework of knowledge about the history, I was pretty puzzled when I set out to writ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 29, Displayed: 21

Forest Monastary Kitchen

The forest monastery was a training ground and spiritual and intellectual centre. There were two large and competing monasteries in this area, one was more open to new ideas than the other. Sounds familiar, eh?

Forest Monastery Grinding Stone

This large implement indicates that the kitchen was here.

Rice Bowl for 5000

Feeding the 5000 monks who lived here was a big job. This long stone recepticle is the rice bowl that was used for serving up dinner.

Vegetable Washing Sink

And this is where the veggies were washed. The bottom of the sink was ridged--for getting off the dirt or outer skins?

Seated Buddha

Very famous statue because of the ambiguity of the Buddha's expression. Sorry it's so dark, a big thunderstorm was about to let loose.

Smiling Buddha

From this side the Buddha is smiling.

Sad Buddha

But viewed from this side the Buddha appears sad.

Sad Buddha

So which was it, the lady or the tiger?

20th September 2013

Michelle
non-member comment

Travels
Thanks for sharing - enjoying your travels while I enjoy mine!! M xx

14th October 2013

francisco tubiera jr
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Request Tips for Visiting Anuradhapura
Nice to read your blog about Anuradhapura. I will be in Colombo this week and intend to go straight to Anuradhapura from the airport. Is it possible to get there before dark if I am arriving Colombo around 10am? Also, how much time do I need to cover the Cultural Triangle? I have one full day for Anuradhapura and half day to visit another site within the Cultural Triangle since I have to return to Colombo in the evening to catch up with a morning flight. Will appreciate to hear from you. Best regards.

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Anuradhapura: The Ancient Capital

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